Higher Sales at McDonald’s and Taco Bell in Legal Marijuana States

A recent joint study by Consumer Research Around Cannabis and Green Market Report found that where marijuana is legal, fast food sales have increased. The study’s findings show that of people who legally purchased marijuana within the last month, 43% of them chose to eat at McDonald’s. Taco Bell came in second with 18.3% sales increases.

These aren’t the only two fast food restaurants marijuana connoisseurs fancy, according to Newsweek. Wendy’s came in third with a 17.8% sales increase and Burger King with 17.6%.

For the study, major cities including Denver, Las Vegas, Washington D.C, Sacramento and Portland were reviewed. The study found no specific correlation with having the munchies and specifically wanting McDonald’s, but because McDonald’s has so many locations, they’ve seen the largest increase in sales in marijuana states.

Jeff Stein of Consumer Research Around Cannabis said, “McDonald’s wins by virtue of the sheer number of locations—by default really. Those competitors which better understanding cannabis users and their consumer habits can certainly close the gap by integrating what they learn through their marketing efforts.”

Serge Cristov, financial adviser for Honest Marijuana (Colorado), believes these aren’t new behaviors. It is, however, easier to study behaviors in areas where the market is legal. Cristov predicts that home shopping and video game companies may also see a surge in sales. He also thinks that Dutch-style smoking coffee shops may be ideal and may aid the social acceptance of marijuana.

Cristov said, “Just like in a college bar. You could get some coffee or hot cocoa and smoke a joint.”